Singing of the message of good news that the angels proclaimed to the shepherds in the field on that cold, dark night, we are encouraged:

And ye, beneath life’s crushing load, whose forms are bending low,
who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow,
look now! for glad and golden hours some swiftly on the wing:
[so] rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing.

The message gives rise to the word of encouragement since the good news is that Jesus, the promised King who will conquer the enemies of his people and by whom all things will be put right, THAT king is born. For that reason, as we head into another year – with whatever joys and sorrows, successes and failures may load us down and cause us to bend low – we may hear the message and be strengthened to know that our King reigns.

This is no sideshow entertainment along our weary way; no, this is the stuff by which our weary way is transformed into the highway for our God: valleys are lifted, hills are made low, uneven ground made level, and rough patches made plain; the way in which the glory of the Lord is revealed; a veritable Highway of Holiness over which the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing.

So, let us come together, and take our Sabbath Rest along the weary way, and revel together and join with the angels in singing: “Peace on the earth and the goodness of God’s gracious will to men; from the all-gracious King of heaven, Jesus the risen and reigning King!”

Order of Worship for 01.04.09